Budding artists and photographers are being given the chance to shine by producing a design for Age Concern’s popular range of charity Christmas cards.

The charity is now inviting submissions for its Christmas Card Design Competition – and the winner will see his or her card produced in the charity’s 2006 collection.

“We believe this is a wonderful opportunity for all amateur artists around the country – whether they use a paint brush or a camera, this competition will allow them to showcase their talent and secure a wider profile for their work, while helping a good cause at the same time,” said Sarah Shipman from Age Concern Knaresborough.

“The theme of the design should be Christmas or winter. We want to encourage a wide range of entries; therefore, there are no restrictions on style – artwork and photography are equally welcome and can be traditional or contemporary.”

Successful entries will be those with a strong commercial appeal, as the cards are a key income-generator for Age Concern, with an average of at least 45 per cent of the price going straight back to the charity.

The deadline for entries is January 31, 2006. Finalists will be announced in February and the winner of this exciting competition will be announced around Easter 2006. As well as having the satisfaction of seeing their design mass produced, the winning entrant will also receive flowers and champagne, and be given 500 cards bearing their design.

Entry forms are available from Age Concern Knaresborough, Cliff House, Hilton Lane, Knareborough, HG5 8BX or by ringing 01423 864956. If entries take any form other than a photograph, entrants are requested to submit a photograph of their design and not the original artwork.